SAC: Press Releases : 2/2/2000
Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
John M. Fuchko, III, Chair | Timothy P. Vick, Vice-Chair
Rochell Akin, Secretary | Jerry Edwards, Treasurer (Acting)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Brian D. Beers, Press Secretary
Brianbeers@hotmail.com
(678) 377-2848
(770) 339-2200
Students Applaud Governor's Response To HOPE Fees Issue
February 2, 2000 (Atlanta) - Georgia's student leaders applauded Governor Barnes decision on Wednesday which will result in the HOPE scholarship continuing to cover all mandatory student fees for qualifying students at Georgia's 34 public colleges and universities as well as increase student involvement in the creation and budgeting of student fees.
In addition, the scholarship will be revised to allow seniors to regain HOPE eligibility as well as eliminate the so-called "Pell Offset," under which students eligible for federal Pell Grants receive Pell money first, with HOPE covering the remainder of the educational expenses. Also included is a plan to implement technology fees at each institution. Students continue to support these initiatives which were included in the Governor's original proposal.
Students share the Governor's concern over the fiscal future of the HOPE scholarship and have agreed to accept greater responsibility over the process of creating and budgeting student fees. Under the proposed new system, all new student fees as well as increases in existing fees must be reviewed by a committee consisting of at least 50% students.
The Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents (SAC) had organized a statewide campaign to raise student awareness of the proposed HOPE changes and show support for the continued coverage of tuition and mandatory fees by the HOPE scholarship as well as the Governor's initiatives regarding the Pell Program, senior HOPE eligibility, and technology fees.
"This is a positive step for students as well as all citizens of Georgia," said John M. Fuchko III, SAC Chair. "We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the Governor."
The Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (SAC) is the official representative body of the more than 200,000 students of the University System, consisting of the student body president or appointed delegate from each of Georgia's 34 public colleges and universities. SAC considers issues affecting students and makes recommendations to the Board of Regents, the Georgia Legislature, and the Governor.